Peru Elementary School District 124 Board of Education met December 20.

The regular meeting of the month of December of the Board of Education of Peru Elementary School District 124, LaSalle County, Illinois, was called to order in the Conference Room at Parkside School, 1800 Church Street, Peru, IL, by President Mark Lamboley, on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at 6:00 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Lamboley led the Board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Cross explained that a Truth in Taxation Hearing is necessary when the aggregate amount of taxes estimated to be levied exceed 105 percent of the taxes extended by the district in the prior year. At the November Board meeting he and the Board Finance Committee estimated a proposed increase of approximately 106.5 percent. The final levyv proposal as recommended for adoption is 105.05 percent over last year’s extension. He noted that while the district is collecting some needed additional tax revenue from the increase in assessed valuation which includes some new construction and development, the district will as a result of this adjustment keep the total tax rate at about the same level as last year. This means that the school district would cause no tax increase to homeowners, assuming their homes remain at the same assessed value. Mr. Cross noted that the district’s tax base is still not back to wear it was before the housing crisis, but continued improvements over the last couple of years. He believes that if this trend continues, and if the state properly funds the new school funding model, the district could get back to a balanced budget with no long-term borrowing in the coming years. The district’s levy request, excluding debt service and if approved by the Board later in the meeting, would total $5,602,100.

MOTION: Moved by Member Kampwerth, seconded by Member Ankiewicz, to exit the Public Truth in Taxation Hearing for the 2017 Levy Year at 6:19 p.m. ROLL CALL, VOTING AYE: Kampwerth, Ankiewicz, Leynaud, Pillai, Renk, and Lamboley. ABSENT: Bruins. NAYS: None. The motion carried 6-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: Moved by Vice President Renk, seconded by Member Leynaud, to approve the following items in the Consent Agenda:

• Parent Teacher Conferences were completed in November. There was an overall 98% turnout between face to face and phone conferences.

• Mrs. McDonald updated the Board on the Preschool for All grant she and administrative team members are in the process of completing by the January 12, 2018 deadline. She reminded the Board that this is a very competitive grant and the neediest schools will most likely take priority for the funding. Mr. Cross briefly provided some information on what staffing needs will be required if the grant goes through. The Preschool for All grants will be awarded in April.

Mrs. Bosnich reported

• Staff training was recently completed with representatives from Journeys ELA Curriculum with another meeting to be held in spring.

• AIMSweb testing will be administered to students this winter to measure academic growth from the beginning of the school year.

Ms. Madden reported

• Staff from Putnam County Jr. High will be coming to Parkside School in the near future to observe our STEM lab. Significant upgrades to our lab were made this year.

• Students from Mrs. Jenkin’s art classes have been designing and creating “Art Attacks” throughout Parkside School. The hope is to stimulate conversation amongst students for a greater appreciation of art.

• Student Council members and cheerleaders are having a Pep Rally for 7th and 8th grade basketball and volleyball athletes on Monday, January 8, in hopes to build school spirit and motivate the teams.

Superintendent’s Report

• The district had no findings on the recent Health Life Safety visit conducted by the Regional Office of Education. He commended the staff involved who helped make this a perfect visit.

• Mr. Cross presented a preliminary 2018-19 school calendar. He has shared this with staff for their input prior to presenting a recommended calendar to the Board at the January 17, 2018 Board meeting. He did mention that with a later spring break next year, there’s a good chance the district will observe Casimir Pulaski Day in March of 2019. He will make a final recommendation after staff input.

• The district will be updating the two-way radios for Parkside and Northview Schools.

• Mr. Cross updated the Board on the Peru Education Foundation grant awards. The Board recently approved grants totaling over $14,000, including $8,000 submitted by Mrs. Verruchi with the help of Ms. Pannier, to update the sound system for music and musical performances. Mr. Cross commended the Foundation for having approved every grant request submitted since conception, and noted what a huge difference it has made across the district.

Reports and Information from the 2017 Joint Annual Conference

Board members shared information and comments regarding the recent Joint Annual Conference. Board members also enjoyed the art exhibit provided by Mrs. Jenkin’s art students which was displayed at the Healy Bender & Associates booth in the exhibit hall at the conference.

Final Presentation of Recommended Board of Education Policy Changes and Opportunity for Public Input

Mr. Cross reviewed a few of the recommended changes for policies including the following:

• 4:15 Identity Protection – This policy references changes to information related to social security numbers. The district must update the staff whenever changes are made to this policy.

• 5:250 Leaves of Absence – This policy eliminates child rearing language, which is no longer necessary with the current FMLA language an is inconsistent with collective bargaining language. Mr. Cross explained that unpaid leave is determined on a case by case situation.

• 7:260 Exemption from Physical Activity – This update would allow for 7th and 8th grade students to request exemption from physical education courses because of interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program participation. After discussion between the Board and Administration, it was decided not to change the policy but to keep it as is.

ACTION ITEMS

Adoption of Resolution for Approval of the 2017 Tax Levy

MOTION: Moved by Member Pillai, seconded by Member Kampwerth, to adopt a resolution for approval of the 2017 Tax Levy.